Current Job Availability: Yes We're looking for talented self-starters who thrive on team work, interesting challenges, and having fun, to join our software engineering team in the following positions: Senior Modeler Senior Software Engineer - Graphics Lead Software Engineer III - Graphics and Tools Software Engineer III - Game Programmer Software Engineer III - Generalist Environment Artist Lead Animator Senior Concept Artist Senior Level Designer Senior Modeler General Description: Firaxis Games is looking to expand our Art team with an experienced, well rounded artist with specific skills in modeling Game Characters and Environments. Artists providing direct links to an online collection of works will be considered first. Portfolio must include samples of the following: Qualifications: The ideal artist will demonstrate: excellent 3D modeling skills (organic and hard surface) excellent 3DS Max skills excellent ZBrush skills excellent Photoshop skills a thorough understanding of game development technical issues several years (preferably 4 to 6) experience in the game industry ability to take concept art and execute vision in game In addition, candidates must have the following interests and abilities: passion for video games ability to complete projects on time and within budget ability to establish a modeling pipeline for characters and objects ability to multi-task and adapt to changes ability to give and receive constructive feedback ability to mentor artists and propagate skills across the company willing to relocate to the Baltimore area Senior Software Engineer - Graphics Lead General Description: Responsible for the design and implementation of cutting-edge rendering architectures for PC and console titles. Firaxis Games is seeking an experienced software engineer with a strong background in graphics technology to lead development of visual algorithms in Firaxis titles. The ideal candidate dreams of clipping, small batch performance, interpolators and blend operators. Specific Requirements: Design, document and implement next generation 3D rendering engine for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Develop cross platform material and shader framework with support for modern rendering techniques such as Ambient Occlusion, PRT, Depth of Field, Tone Mapping, etc. Design and implement graphics shader programs using FX files and HLSL Design and implement tools to support artist pipelines Accurately schedule and track development efforts for graphics related tasks across the team Required Skills: Motivated individual with a passion for games Ability to work with a strong team Strong math skills with knowledge of computational geometry and high order curves and surfaces Strong communication skills, written and verbal Experience with performance optimization and memory utilization. Strong object-oriented design skills and proficiency in C++ programming and debugging Knowledge of software engineering practices and tools Knowledge of shader languages such as HLSL and Cg In depth knowledge of graphics programming APIs such as Directx and OpenGL Familiarity with content development tools such as 3D Studio Max Experience and Educational Requirements: 5-10 years experience in the game industry in PC or console titles 3-5 years experience with graphics and rendering technologies At least 2 shipped game titles BS in CS, SE or equivalent Software Engineer III - Graphics and Tools General Description: Firaxis Games is seeking a talented software engineer to be responsible for the design and implementation of cutting-edge rendering architectures and tool chains for PC and console titles. The ideal candidate gets a thrill out of working directly with their “customers,” and enabling great game content through creative development. Specific Requirements: Design, document, implement, and debug code in a variety of languages Work in 3D Studio Max using Max-script to build tools and exporters according to needs specified by the content team Work with a graphics lead and content team to design and develop art pipelines and external tools that support the art pipeline for Firaxis games Accurately schedule and track development efforts for assigned tasks Required Skills: Motivated individual with a passion for games Ability to work with a strong team Strong math skills Strong communication skills, written and verbal Strong object-oriented design skills and proficiency in C++ programming and debugging Familiarity with C# and the .net framework is desirable Knowledge of software engineering practices Experience and Educational Requirements: 3-7 years experience in the game industry in PC or console titles At least 1 shipped game title BS in CS, SE or equivalent Software Engineer III - Game Programmer General Description: This position is responsible for working within a team of programmers for a specific game development project. Reports to the project lead programmer and is responsible for implementing game content including, but not limited to, AI, UI, asset integration, development tools, level construction, 3D graphics, and sound integration. Responsibilities: Develop and maintain game code with a team of other developers Develop and enhance in-house libraries and tools Architect and implement game-play systems Have an in-depth knowledge of multiple game systems, including but not limited to: compression, computer game hardware, particle systems, character skeletons, image manipulation, command line/scripting systems, kinematics, shaders, and 3D packages Specific Requirements: Previous experience architecting software systems Excellent oral and written communication skills Fluency in C++ A great love of games Required Skills: Understanding of game development lifecycle and process Willingness to work under and take direction from a team lead Ability to communicate with team members and management Ability to take ownership of assigned tasks Proactive problem-solving approach, ideally with a strong sense of creativity and a respect for aesthetics Ability to lead more junior members of the programming team by example Experience and Educational Requirements: 3-7 years experience in the game industry At least 1 shipped game title BS in CS, SE or equivalent Software Engineer III - Generalist General Description: Responsible for general development on Firaxis game titles; roles in all functional areas. Ideal candidate likes to tinker and has experience working across broad section of game code base. Specific Requirements: Design, document, implement and debug code Accurately schedule and track development efforts for assigned tasks Required Skills: Motivated individual with a passion for games Ability to work with a strong team Strong problem solving skills Broad and flexible knowledge of CS problem domains Strong communication skills, written and verbal Strong object-oriented design skills and proficiency in C++ programming and debugging Knowledge of software engineering practices Experience and Educational Requirements: 3-7 years experience in game industry in PC or console titles At least 1 shipped game title BS in CS, SE or equivalent Envionment Artist General Description: Create beautiful worlds for game players to experience and play in. We are looking for people with the ability to model and texture assets for a diverse range of environments. It is essential that the candidate have a strong understand of both 2D texture creation and environment painting, as well as sculpting environmental forms through 3DS Max and ZBrush. The ideal candidate will have a portfolio that shows a combination of modeling, texturing, and lighting creating something greater than the sum of its parts. Primary Responsibilities: Work with concept images to create environments and terrain landscapes Explore and iterate on production techniques to make beautiful and efficient assets Collaborate closely with programming staff to implement terrain systems and lighting solutions Create high quality 3D models and 2D textures for props and diverse environments Participate in art reviews and critiques Required: 3+ years game industry experience Outstanding portfolio focused on game environment art Fluency with 3D Studio Max, ZBrush or Mudbox, and Photoshop Self-motivated towards solving creative problems Able to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks and follow through on details Lead Animator General Description: You will work closely with the project art lead and the lead game designer to create a visually compelling animation style within our game. You will be responsible for leading an animation team as well as creating and maintaining a vision. We expect you to have a passion for games as well as demonstrating a clear knowledge of the principles of animation in their work. Primary Responsibilities: Manage a team of animators, maintaining a consistent animation style Create gameplay animatics that set the visual style, facilitate tool development, and establish animation production needs Rig and animate characters that have character driven performances Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline Consistently set a high bar for the animation team for quality and pace Required: 5+ years game experience in animation using 3DS Max Expertise in skinning a variety of rigs, from simple characters to complex facial structures A solid understanding of the principles of animations Strong communication skills and a positive attitude The ability to problem-solve and prioritize issues while developing a production pipeline Experience managing a team, providing consistent feedback and encouraging individual development Senior Concept Artist General Description: Create compelling art that captures the mood and style as directed by the Art Lead and contribute own ideas and vision. Work closely with the Art Lead as well as internal and external concept artists to help define the look and style of the game as well as provide content creators with clear 2D concepts from which they may successfully execute in-game assets. Primary Responsibilities: Work with the Art Lead to develop the visual style for the game Create compelling concept art for characters, vehicles and environments Contribute original visual design ideas throughout pre-production and production Create additional illustrated concepts for marketing and PR needs Develop story boards for in-game cinematics Mentor and train concept art staff Required: Strong Portfolio of environment and character designs Minimum of 5 years experience Deep toolbox of digital painting skills Effective feedback communication skills Senior Level Designer General Description: Firaxis Games is seeking a Level Designer to work on its next series of groundbreaking games. Primary Responsibilities: Building, and lighting optimized 3D architectural environments Function as part of a team tasked with building levels for a next-gen console title. Collaborate with artists and designers in asset creation Work out the details and concept modular systems of architecture for levels Produce 3D architectural assets in 3D Studio Max Layout and light final levels in Unreal 3 Optimize final levels for performance Work with the Designer to make gameplay and 3D space function harmoniously Work with Lead Artist to ensure artistic unity with the entire project Required: Possess a wealth of experience modeling and lighting assets and spaces for games Able to collaborate with production staff from other departments on a peer level Able to collaborate with and work with junior members of the art department Experience with the Unreal Engine Fluency with 3D Studio Max and Photoshop Able to communicate with other artists visually using quick thumbnail sketches or paintings Must have current US work authorization Pluses: Background in architecture or lighting 3+ years game industry experience, At least two shipped titles. Submission Guidelines Submissions for job inquiries should be sent via e-mail to greatjobs@firaxis.com. Resume submissions sent to this address must also include a cover letter listing qualifications, career goals, links to applicable materials, salary expectations, and a list of three professional references. Please do not send materials via US mail at this time. In addition to a cover letter and resume, Artist and Design applicants must submit digital work samples or website links where their works may be easily accessed. Programmer applicants are not required to send code samples when submitting a resume - these materials will be requested at a later date. Click here to contact us. Privacy Policy  Terms of Service  Press Room © Copyright Firaxis Games, Inc. 2001 - 2005. All rights reserved.